THE LIBRARY OF THE UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA AT CHAPEL HILL THE COLLECTION OF NORTH CAROLINIANA PRESENTED BY Duke University C286.09 R16f Jftrsit Jfopttet Cfmrcf) Wilmington and Morgan Streets RALEIGH, NORTH CAROLINA 18 12-1962 WELCOME "In the name of our Master we bid you a cordial welcome to this house of God, its worship, its comfort, and its peace." Charles W. Ward Pastor James W. Yeargin Church Clerk Dr. J. T. Hamlin Assistant Church Clerk Publisher Irving-Swain Press, Inc. Raleigh, North Carolina Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2012 with funding from Institute of Museum and Library Services, under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act, administered by the State Library of North Carolina, a division of Cultural Resources. http://archive.org/details/firstbaptistchurfirs y^-} Charles R. Frazer Foreword The church whose sesquicentennial we now celebrate stands majestic at the southeast corner of the intersection of Wilmington and Morgan Streets, its Gothic spires reaching high above Capitol Square like watch dogs and sacred guardians of peace and good will toward all men. No bell is stationed within her steeple to call the worshipers to assembly, as of old. The style and eloquence of her beauty, the vision of her walls within, the oaken pews, the pipe organ, the stained glass windows ; the glass- enclosed pool, the pulpit, the assembled choirs, all say, "Come to the church on the corner." Diagonally across Capitol Square, at the southwest corner of the intersection of Salisbury with Hillsboro Streets, stands her counterpart, the other half of the organized church of 1812 whose celebration likewise is now in progress. Behold a spectacle, the like of which, no doubt, no other community in our national life can boast : Two sentinels and guardians of Christian democracy standing watch over the welfare of our state, bi-racial in origin, continuous in good will and brotherly kindness in separation, climactic in the observance of its nativity. This is the day of great rejoicing and praise to Him "who has brought us thus far on our way." The Reverend Charles W. Ward Greetings To the Members of First Baptist, the many pat- rons, friends and well-wishers. I take this oppor- tunity to greet you on this occasion. To our efficient chairman and co-chairman, the committee chairmen and co-chairmen, to the many members who have made up the committees, to all who have contribut- ed in any way to make this program possible, accept my heartfelt thanks. I know how long and hard you have labored. I know something of the concern and anxiety you have had in bringing us to this moment. It is my prayer that you will be amply rewarded for your efforts. Not too many churches are 150 years old ; certain- ly it is a mark of distinction to be a part of a Chris- tian church that can look back 150 years to its be- ginning and trace its steps through the dim past to our modern age. The founding fathers would re- joice with you today, and who knows, perhaps they are a part of the great host who are in the arena of eternity cheering you on to victory. So you are to be commended. You have not betrayed them nor their trust. You have caught a vision of the dreams they dreamed and have no doubt advanced much further than they were able to envision. Here we are today humbled by the recollection that ours have not matched theirs neither in sacri- fice, humility, sincerity, religious fervor, nor Dhy- sical stamina. But you are a great people, coming from the shadows, eyes smarting from the bright- ness of a new sun. You have visualized the unfin- ished work which they had begun. There are many unsung heroes of "yester-years" and of today who have helped and are helping to make First Baptist — First Baptist. Nothing anyone can do will erase the facts of his- tory; First Baptist has impaneled her name on the scrolls of time. It is ours to keep the banner high. I came to you two years and eight months ago not knowing what the future held. Today, I do not know what the future holds, but one thing I do know that the eternal God whom I serve day and night will reward every good deed, every good thought and never let his little ones fall to the dust. So where there is doubt, we must have faith, where there is fear, we must have courage. The future is longer than the past. First Baptist, I thank you for letting me be numbered among the illustrous sons of God who have graced your pulpit, who have tried to instruct in higher things and lead in spiritual pathways. We can rejoice in the fact that in these past 32 months 133 souls have been baptized and fellowshipped into our church. I cannot close these words of greetings without calling to our attention, yours and mine, the fact that there remain too many non-Christians and unchurched people in our city and in our commun- ity. If we are to continue in the right way, we must recapture the spirit of the church fathers and of the founding fathers of this church and go out into the highways and byways in search of those who do not know Christ. We must be dissatisfied until His kingdom rules in the hearts of ail men. First Baptist has nurtured the sons and daughters of too many mothers and fathers to allow herself to become satisfied. We must meet the challenge of our day. To serve the present age is the challenge which stares us in the face. It is ours to answer this challenge. So the unfinished task is to witness so effectively for Christ that men will be restless until they too have acknowledged Him. Lead on, 0 King Eternal, The day of March has come. Tomorrow, we must follow God into new pathways of life. So, in the name of our wonderful Lord I greet you and bid you let us continue under His banner. C. W. Ward, Pastor 101 South Wilmington Street Raleigh, North Carolina MIHIIIIWIIBHIWWMI ..:i.3fef,r::.-:^!aii«S First State House in Raleigh Scene of Organization of First Baptist Church 1812 '/£<; y*^} s?^t- e^+*c V-*-t^-+ -**t-t>z. e-> ML ^"St^cV X I* / J€ar^^ , /(e?s, ^{J t , f/$ c* <- /£- 'Ve^' a <&> <- 6e*** & « ^ / > 1.2 / J *> J / 9 y ,/<; * t'^e i*=«, // 'e^CCt* a A c C/cjk. tL izr. /?<& .t/J6f ji+tcjc ?vrm 9* a. i*-~* J r S ^, / C 3 -K A £* 2 ?-iC s g=ggg~rj? ^^JSSSSJgggE^gggg Jtrsi ^apitst (EIjotcI] Brief Historical Sketch of The First Baptist Church Preliminary Statement The present First Baptist Church is the culmination of the noble achievements and sacrifices of men and women who were willing to give their best for the creation of a world in which all mankind could enjoy the good and beautiful things of life. The cornerstone of this historic church correctly bears the inscription 1812, a span of one hundred and fifty years of continuous existence. It was through the dynamic leader- ship of Elder Robert T. Daniel that the First Baptist Church was organized at the State House (now the Capitol) with a membership of twenty-three, nine of whom were white and fourteen Negroes. The membership was interracial from 1812 to 1868, a period of fifty-six years. Record of White Pastors and Laymen Elder Robert T. Daniel was the first pastor of the newly organized church and served until 1815, and at that time the Negro member- ship had increased to twenty-five. From 1815 to 1821 the Rever- ends Josiah Crudup, Thomas Crocker, and James Woodberry served respectively. In 1816 the members erected a church on Per- son Street between Hargett and Martin at a cost of approximately $700.00. In 1822, the Reverend Daniel again became pastor and served until 1826. It was also in 1822 that the church was moved to Moore Square, which thereafter was known as Baptist Grove, and by 1823 the membership had increas- ed to one hundred and fifty-six Negroes and seventy whites. The Reverend P. W. Dowd, who bcame the first president of the Baptist State Convention, was pas- tor from 1827 to 1832, and was succeeded by the Reverend Wil- liam Hill Jordan who pastored un- til 1839. The Reverend Amos J. Battle was minister from 1839 to 1844, and it was under his guid- ance that the deed for the lot on the corner of Wilmington and Moreran streets was secured from Willie Jones and a house of wor- ship was constructed at a cost of $6,000. The congregation worshin- ed at this site for almost twenty years. The Reverend Louis DePre succeeded the Reverend Battle, but served for a short period. The Reverend J. J. Finch was called as pastor in 1844, and at his death, the Reverend T. W. Tobey was selected as minister in 1848 and it was during his pas- torate of the First Baptist Church that he became editor of the Bibli- cal Recorder. In 1856 the Reverend Thomas E. Skinner was chosen as pastor, and during his first year as minis- ter the membership increased by eighty. Under his leadership the church purchased the lot on the corner of Salisbury and Edenton Streets for $6,000.00 and erected the present church edifice. Dr. Skinner says in his book entitled "Sermons and Reminiscences," that the site of this church could not have been secured but for the aid of Jim Atkins, a devout Negro member, blacksmith by trade and rent collector for Dr. Cooke, who was the owner of the Salisbury Street property. He mentions Richard Shepard as Jim Atkins equal in strength of Christian character. The Reverend Thomas H. Prich- ard, later president of Wake For- est College, was pastor from 1868 to 1874. It was during Doctor Prichard's pastorate that Henry Jett and approximately two hun- dred other Negroes asked for and were granted on the motion of Peter F. Pescud, permission on June 5, 1868 to move their mem- berships to their newly organized church located on Salisbury Street. The property for this church was purchased in 1867 for $612.00 and was deeded to Trustees Rich- ard Shepard, Isaac Vass, and J. Calvin Strickland. The church remained at this site for thirty- six years (1868-1904). Among the early leaders were Richard and Robert Shepard. Allen Lane, Step- hen Hawkins, Henry Massey, Ro- bert Rogers, Samuel Watkins, Arthur Ivey, Anthony Burns, Moses Thompson, S. Adkins, Rich- ard Bryant, and Jacob Jordan. Record of Negro Pastors and Laymen The first pastor of the First Baptist Church after the separa- tion from the inter-racial church was the Reverend William War- wick of Philadelphia, Pennsylvan- ia. The Reverend Mr. Warwick was an unusually strong pastor, very well educated, refined, spirit- ual, resourceful, practical, and logical in his interpretation of the scriptures and the general prob- lems of life. He served from 1867 to 1874. The Reverend J. J. Worlds The second and fourth pastor was the Reverend J. J. Worlds who came in February, 1874 and served until 1880. He was called again in 1886 and pastored until 1902. The Reverend Mr. Worlds was born in Harnett County near Lillington, North Carolina. He went to Detroit, Mich., when a boy, attended school there, and learned a trade. After working in Detroit for several years, he went to To- ledo, Ohio, married, and later be- came pastor of a church there. At the close of the Civil War, in com- pany with the Reverend White, an army chaplain, he returned to his native state, preaching first in Halifax County, then in Tarboro; and it was from Tarboro that he was called to the First Baptist Church in Raleigh in 1874. His character, liberal spirit, devoted service, faithfulness and uncom- promsing stand for righteousness won the respect of all. The fact that he was called again as pastor in 1886 and served until 1902 is an indication of the congregation's love for him. Under his guidance the members in 1896 purchased for $2,000 the present site which was deeded to Trustees Allen Lane, Broadie Rogers, Henderson Cros- son. Richard Plummer and Booker Hardie. The Reverend William A. Green The Reverend William A. Green was the third Negro pastor of the First Baptist Church. He was born in one of the provinces of the Do- minion of Canada — Nova Scotia. His boyhood days were spent in Boston, Massachusetts, where his early education was begun. His higher education was completed at Howard University. He later returned to Boston and was for a short while pastor of the First Independent Baptist Church of that city. At the outbreak of the Civil War, he enlisted in the Union Army and was appointed chaplain. He gave his spare time to teaching the men of his regiment to read, write, spell, and the like. At the close of the Civil War, he was mustered out in Wilmington, North Carolina, and because of a throat ailment, turned his atten- tion to teaching. He had the honor of being the first Negro to hold a first grade certificate in New Hanover County. He also held the position of clerk of the Wilming- ton city market. He was called to the pastorate of the First Baptist Church of Ral- eigh, North Carolina in 1880, and served faithfully until his death in 1886. He was buried in the Na- tional Cemetery at Wilmington, North Carolina. The fourth Negro to serve as pastor of the First Baptist Church was Doctor J. W. Kirby who was called from Farmville, Virginia in 1902. He was a native of Virginia and was educated at Hampton Normal Institute and the Rich- mond Theological Institute, which in recognition of his outstanding achievements, conferred upon him the degree of Doctor of Divinity. Doctor Kirby's pastorate in Ral- eigh was very short since he lived only eight months after coming here. In addition to his pastoral work, he served as instructor in the Theological Department of Shaw University. Doctor Kirby could do little for the church in the short time he was its pastor, but his kindly spirit and graciousness endeared him to his congregation as perhaps no other pastor did in so short a time. Among his contributions are the Winnowed Anthems which are still being used by the choirs. The Reverend William T. Coleman The fifth Negro to serve as pas- tor of the First Baptist Church was Doctor W. T. Coleman. Doctor Coleman was born in Uniontown, Alabama, October 20, 1867, and was the son of John G. and Mary Coleman. He attended the public schools in his home town, and later entered Selma University in Ala- bama, and was graduated in 1892. He then entered the Richmond Theological Seminary, and was graduated in 1895. In 1901 he was married to Miss Veola L. Gnerrant of Danville, Virginia. In 1899, he went abroad and traveled very ex- tensively. Doctor Coleman taught mathematics and philosophy at Selma University from 1896 to 1905. He came to the First Baptist Church in 1903 and served until 1912. During his stay in Raleigh, he completed a curriculum in medi- cine at the Leonard Medical Col- lege in 1909, and thus placed him- self in position to render a more effective service to his people. Doctor Coleman practiced medi- cine in Baltimore, Maryland for a number of years. His entire life was crowded with good and noble deeds. The present structure stands as a monument to him be- cause it was through his insight and leadership that it was con- structed and the cornerstone was laid in 1904. Doctor Coleman insti- tuted the idea of dividing the membership into clubs. The names of some of the members of these groups may be seen on the stained glass windows in the Sanctuary. The Reverend C. E. Askew The sixth Negro pastor of the First Baptist Church of Raleigh was Doctor C. E. Askew. Doctor Askew was called to the pastorate here from the First Baptist Church of Rocky Mount, North Carolina. Doctor Askew is the son of the late Andrew Jackson Askew and Flora Holloman Askew of Harrells- ville, North Carolina. He received his literary and theological train- ing at Shaw University. Doctor Askew was married to Miss Mallie G. Beebe, daughter of Bishop and Mrs. J. A. Beebe in 1903. He was graduated from Shaw University with the Bachelor of Theology de- gree in 1908. Both Shaw University and Ben- edict College have honored Doctor Askew with the Doctor of Divinity degrees. Doctor Askew demonstrated his leadership ability by liquidating the church's heavy debt in a com- paratively short time. In addition, the physical and spiritual aspects of the church were greatly enhanc- ed during his administration. For example, it was through his lead- ership that the present church organ was purchased. Doctor Askew served from 1912 to 1921. He resigned and accepted a church in Pittsburgh, Pennsyl- vania and after became pastor of the Third Baptist Church of De- troit, Michigan. He now resides in Zebulon, North Carolina, and is frequently called to serve as guest minister. The congregation is al- ways glad to hear him. The Reverend 0. S. Bullock The seventh Negro pastor of the First Baptist Church of Raleigh was Doctor Oscar Sidney Bullock. Doctor Bullock was called from the First Baptist Church of High •Point on August 7, 1921, and was installed in October of the same year. Doctor Bullock is a native of a Vance County community. He Was born near Henderson, North Carolina and is the son of the late Horace and Emma Bullock. He completed his college preparatory training at the Henderson Normal School, and his college and theolo- gical training at Lincoln Universi- ty, Oxford, Pennsylvania. The fol- lowing degrees were conferred upon Doctor Bullock by Lincoln University : Bachelor of Arts, Mas- tor of Arts, Bachelor of Sacred Theology, and Doctor of Divinity. On May 26, 1947, Shaw Universi- ty, in recognition of his significant contribution to Christian educa- tion and local, state, and national church leadership, conferred upon him the degree of Doctor of Divin- ity. The following brief summary of his achievements is an indication of his creative mind, his outstanding leadership ability, and his inces- sant desire to give his soul to the cause of Christ. Doctor Bullock recognizing the fact that the church is located in the center of the city, far away from a large part of the membership, conceived the pioneering idea of purchasing a bus and giving free transporta- tion to children and many adults. This service began in 1925, and has continued without a single in- terruption or accident. In 1933, cognizant of the inadequacy of the basement Sunday School facilities, he led in the erection of the three story Educational Annex at a cost of approximately $20,000. This building provided adequate facili- ties for a graded Sunday School program with thirty-two individ- ual classrooms and seven depart- ments. These additions and im- provements placed the First Bap- tist Church in a category where it was recognized as having one of the best Sunday School organiza- tions in the country. In 1945, it was under the lead- ership of Doctor Bullock that the adjoining building, now known as the Bullock Building was purchas- ed at a cost of $25,000. However, Doctor Bullock, realizing the in- adequacy of this building for Sun- day School and Church use, raised and spent $10,000 to adapt it to its present use and service. In addition to these outstanding achievements, Doctor Bullock led the Church in the purchase of the Matthew Memorial Parsonage on East and Davie Streets at a cost of $9,000.00, built the present par- sonage on Bloodworth Street at an expenditure of $7,000, air-condi- tioned the Sanctuary at a cost of $10,000, renovated the Sanctuary, and furnished it with beautiful pews costing $5,000. He gave Ral- eigh its first Negro Daily Vacation Bible School, and pioneered in the organization of training courses for teachers and officers. Doctor Bullock served as pastor from 1921 to 1958, a period of thirty-seven years, and it may be said that he contributed more to the physical, social, educational, and spiritual growth of the First Baptist Church than any of its other pas- tors. His unselfish services to the Lott Carey Convention, the Bap- tists of North Carolina, and Shaw University will forever be remem- bered as dedicated investments in Christian education and human re- sources. The First Baptist Church will never be able to pay Doctor Bul- lock for the spiritual, educational, and social leadership that he pro- vided for this church, our city, our state, and our country at large. His organizing and administrative genius has made the First Baptist Church an institution to which men and women come from many sections of our state and country to observe a model Sunday school and a church functioning to the glory of God and the edification of ail of its constituency. It may be said of Doctor Bullock that he was patient in his daily duties, he strove to conquer the evils that so easily beset us, he awakened sleeping spirits, he en- couraged the eager and steadied the unstable, he shared with us the best treasures of his mind, and that he lighted many candles which are shining back to cheer and comfort him. 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Ward, who came as minister in July, 1959, is the eighth Negro pastor of the First Baptist Church. He is a native of LaGrange, Georgia, and is a graduate of the Depot Street High School of LaGrange. He re- ceived the Bachelor of Arts degree from Morehouse College, Atlanta, Georgia, and the Bachelor of Divi- nitv degree from Howard Univer- sity. The Reverend Mr. Ward came to the pastorate from the First Baptist Church of Macon, Georgia, where he served as pastor from 1954 to 1959. Through his leadership qualities he has made himself a definite functioning part of the Raleigh community, the state, and many national Baptist and general or- ganizations during the relatively short period he has been pastor. He is a member of the Mayor's Committtee, President of the Ral- eigh Ministerial Association, mem- ber of the Executive Board of the Lott Carey Convention, Assistant Secretary of the General Baptist Convention of North Carolina, member of the Foreign Mission Board of the National Baptist Convention, and chairman of the Executive Board of the Raleigh Branch of N.A.A.C.P. The First Baptist Church is moving forward in a commendable manner under his guidance. More than $30,000 has been spent for renovation during the relatively short period he has been pastor. For example, it has been through the Reverend Mr. Ward's guidance that repairs have been made to the church steeple and entrance to the balcony, the roof of the Bullock Buildling and that a new heating plant has been installed in the church. In addition, it has been under his leadership that the interior of the church has been re-decorated, banquet tables purchased, the exterior of church painted, and other improvements made. THE DEACON BOARD OF 1925 Sitting, left to right: James M. Higgs, C. A. Walker. Standing, second row: Julius Riddick, Charlie Higgs, Nero Hockaday. Third row: M. D. Haywood, I. W. Rand, J. W. Yeargin, C. C. Jolly, and M. M. Mitchell. Thomas H. Briggs Interracial Sunday School Teacher Deacon John A. Alston Aided in Construction of present Church Colonel James H. Young Church Cleric Superintendent of Sunday School for more than forty years. Deacon Wesley Mosley Tireless Church Worker Dr. G. T. Jones Church Cleric ilusical Director Prof. Joshua Levister Deacon, Sunday Scliool Superin- dent, Teacher A. J. Sogers . Trustee, Superintend- ent of Sunday Scliool "'■>*8|k. William H. Peace Church Secretary Deacon Robert Shepabd Son of one of the Original Trustees James Higgs Deacon, Church Treasurer John Mosley Musical Director DEACON AND TRUSTEE BOARDS OF 1962 Inset — Dr. N. L. Perry, J. W. Eaton. Left to right, first row : Dr. N. H. Harris, Dr. Thomas Hamlin, J. W. Yeargin, M. D. Haywood, W. H. Taylor, Frank Hinton, Robert Powell. Second row, left to right : Clarence Henry, Charles W. Haywood, Delmo Hall, Reverend C. W. Ward, A. Sanders, A. A. Cooke, and D. R. Ingram. Top row, left to right: George D. Vinson, C. A. Levister, Ellis Jones, Jesse Branche, Wm. Hurdle, P. G. Mitchell, Lex Colson. EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE — LAYMAN'S LEAGUE First row, left to right: C. A. Levister, and Reverend C. W. Ward. Second Row, left to right: E. M. Sanders, Joseph Robinson, N. E. Leach, and D. R. Ingram Top row, left to right: Ross Fowler, Delmo Hall, F. P. Payne, M. H. Crockett, and W. C. Davenport. The General Groups Through the far-sightedness and guidance of Dr. 0. S. Bullock, the group system was organized in 1930 for the purpose of offering opportunities for enlightment, creating interest, discovering talent, and facing the challenge of uniting efforts to save souls. The church membership was divided into ten geographical groups, organized as outlined by the Woman's Baptist Home and Foreign Missionary Convention of North Carolina. This system has been a means of uniting the members all over the city into one big church family. The groups have been and are an integral part of the church. They aid in sponsor- ing the Daily Vacation Bible School, give garments, meals, clothing, and make contribu- tions to the needy saints. They are essential in the fund raising projects of the church be- cause through the groups, each member is contacted personally by his leader. In August. 3 961, the groups entertained the Seventy-Seventh Annual Session of the Woman's Baptist Home and Foreign Missionary Convention of North Carolina. The first general officers were Mrs. Ella Pegues, who served as general group leader from 1930 to 1945; Mrs. Hattie Toole, secretary; Mrs. Lucy Rand, assistant secretary; Mrs. Lillie Williams, treasurer. Mrs. Lucy Rand served as general leader until Mrs. Emma Cheek was elected. Mrs. Hattie Toole succeeded Mrs. Cheek in 1950 and served until 1961. The present leader is Mrs. Mildred Chavis, who began serving January, 1961. Mrs. Mary Sapp, who began serving under Mrs. Cheek, is still secretary. Mrs. Hattie Toole First Secretary of Group Leaders FIRST GROUP LEADERS First row, left to right: Mrs. Delia Pope, Mrs. Mary B. Sapp, Mrs. Ella C. Pegues, Mrs. Pattie Sessoms, Mrs. Sarah B. Marks. Second row, left to right: Mrs. Lucy Rand, Mrs. Amelia R. Johnson, Mrs. Blonnie Slade, Mrs. Setarra Bryant, and Mrs. Emma Browning. Third row, left to right: Mrs. Fannie Ellis, Mrs. Hattie Christmas, Mrs. Nora Sanders, Mrs. Electa Hockaday, Mrs. Sarah Sharper, and Mrs. Mildred Mclver James. GROUP LEADERS, 1949 Past Group Leaders THE TEN GROUPS HAVE HAD THE FOLLOWING LEADERS: GROUP NUMBER I — Mrs. Electra Hockaday GROUP NUMBER II — Mrs. Nora Sanders Mrs. Mildred T. James Mrs. Pearl Nichols Mrs. Candace Evans Mrs. Roberta Richardson GROUP NUMBER III — Mrs. Lula Leach* Mrs. Blonnie Slade* Mrs. Catherine P. Jones Mrs. Elizabeth K. Wilson Mrs. Lillie Pope Mrs. Naomi Debnam GROUP NUMBER V — Mrs. W. A. Williams Mrs. Fannie Ellis* Mrs. Ernestine P. Hamlin Mrs. Daisy Ligon* GROUP NUMBER VI — Mrs. Lucy Rand* Mrs. Carrie Hinton Mrs. Peggie Perry* Mrs. Hattie Toole Mrs. Pattie Smith Mrs. Helen Williams GROUP NUMBER VIII — Mr. W. S. Mosley* Mr. A. E. Boykin GROUP NUMBER IX — Mr. W. H. Peace, Sr.* Mr. Moody Haywood GROUP NUMBER IV Mrs. R. E. Crudup * Deceased GROUP NUMBER VII — Mrs. Sarah B. Marks* GROUP NUMBER X — Mrs. Cornelia Hawkins Group Leaders of 1962 Seated, left to right: Mrs. Nora Sanders, Mrs. Pattie Higgs, Mrs. Mary Sapp, Mrs. Mildred Chavis, Mrs. Beatrice Spraggins, Mrs. Irene Marrow, Mrs. Carrie Laws, Mrs. Laura Wimberley. Standing, left to right: Mr. Luke Williams, Mrs. Cleo Parrish, Mrs. Sarah Sharper, Mrs. Pattie Smith, Mrs. Mary Lane, Miss Diane White, Mrs. Pearl S. Williams, Mrs. Lease Horton and Mr. C. A. Lang- ston. Women In The Church Mrs. Sallie Mial Women have made significant contributions to the organiza- tion and development of the First Baptist Church. Outnum- bering the men in its beginning in 1812, they have always con- The women of First Baptist Church have over the years helped in the overall program of the Church. A typical Woman's Day scene is that pictured of the platform guests after the morning serv- ice October, 1961. Shown from left to right are: Dr. Nancy Bullock McGhee, Guest Speaker, Hampton, Va. ; Mrs. Minetta B. Eaton, Chmn. Women's Day Program; stand- ing, Mesdames Roberta Ward, Ella Morgan and Nora E. Lock- hart. stituted the majority of its membership, and have been will- ing to give of their time and means for the advancement of the church and its program. Notable among the women who were leaders of the past are Sister Sallie A. Mial, who organized the first club of young girls in a "What I Can" society, which later became state-wide in scope; Sister Mary Burwell, who organized the Woman's Missionary Society, which was a very potent factor in the church for many years until it merged with the General Groups under the leadership of Sister Ella C. Pegues; Sister Jane Holeman, who was the leader of the White Cap Club and is accredited with raising the first dollar toward the con- struction of this church; and Sister Maheila C. Bullock, wife of Dr. 0. S. Bullock, who organ- ized the Sallie Mial Band, Loy- alty Boys Club, the What I Can Circle, and the Little Missionary Volunteers as a part of the mis- sionary groups of the church. These groups adopted an Afri- can boy, whom they named for Dr. 0. S. Bullock, and educated him. Oscar Sydney Bullock is now married and as a preacher is serving well in his homeland. Some of the other women who are remembered for their lead- ership and sacrifices are Sisters Bessie Barrett, Hattie Rogers, Amanda Hodge, Grace Haw- kins, Annie Hunt, Pattie Ses- soms, Mary Christmas, Luna Harris, Margaret Groves, Kate Thomas, Channie Smith, Flor- ence Young, and Margaret Harris. DEACONESS BOARD Seated, left to right: Mrs. W. H. Taylor, Mrs. W. J. Byrd, Mrs. Delmo Hall, Mrs. J. W. Eaton, Mrs. P. L. Higgs, Mrs. C. A. Levister, Mrs. Nora Sanders, and Mrs. P. G. Mitchell. Standing left to right : Mrs. Wm. Hurdle, Mrs. George Vinson, Mrs. Frank Hinton, Mrs. Ellis Jones, Mrs. M. D. Haywood, Mrs. A. A. Cooke, Mrs. D. R. Ingram, Mrs. Anderson Sanders, Mrs. C. W. Haywood, and Mrs. Eugenia Dunn. OFFICERS AND LEADERS OF THE BAPTIST TRAINING UNION Seated : C. A. Levister, Mrs. May L. Broadie, Frank Hinton, Mrs. Roberta Ward, C. Langston, Mrs. Louise Shaw, Mrs. Dixie Montague, Diane White, Cardrienne Stanley, Ella Haywood, Mrs. Ora Jones, Mrs Bernestine Sanders, not shown Made lyn Watson, Melveese Scott. Mr. Frank Hinton is director. Miss Madelyn W atson, missing from picture, is associate director and Mrs. Louise Shaw is associate director. EDUCATION COMMITTEE Seated: Mrs. Mildred Chavis, C. A. Levister, Mrs. Laura Wimberley, Reverend C. Ward, Dr. Ellen S. Alston. Mrs. E. M. M. Kelly, Miss Mildred McTyre, Chairman; W. H. Taylor. Standing: W. C. Davenport, M. C. Hill, A. C. Cooke, Frank Hinton. The Sunday School SUNDAY SCHOOL OFFICERS W. H. Taylor General Superintendent M. C. Hill Assistant Secretary Mrs. Beatrice Martin Spraggins General Secretary George D. Vinson Associate Superintendent C. R. Frazer Music Director Sylvester White Associate Music Director Miss Cardrienne Stanley, Miss Joyce Cooke, and Miss Lloydine Perry Organists DEPARTMENTAL SUPERINTENDENTS D. R. Ingram Adult Mrs. W. A. Williams and Mrs. Candace Evans Young People Mrs. A. D. Hurdle and Miss Blonnie Slade Intermediate Mr. Igal E. Spraggins Junior Mrs. S. B. Sharper Primary Mrs. Mildred Chavis Beginners Mrs. May L. Broadie Cradle Roll Mrs. Eugenia Dunn Home Sunday School-Officers and Teachers Front row, left to right: Mrs. M. D. Haywood, Mrs. Pattie Smith, Carol Taylor, Mrs. S. B. Sharper, G. D. Vinson, W. H. Taylor, Superintendent; M. C. Hill, Mrs. R. E. Wimberley, Mrs. Eugenia Dunn, Mrs. M. W. Williams. Second row, left to right: Mrs. Ann Hurdle, C. R. Frazer, Miss Diane White, Ann White, Helen Morris, Cardrienne Stanley, Mrs. Beatrice Martin Spraggins, Mrs. V. K. Newell, Mrs. Mildred Chavis, Barbara Hart, Mrs. M. L. Broadie, D. R. Ingram, Igal Spraggins, Mrs. Mildred James, N. E. Leach. Very few of us today can look back upon the old church on Salisbury Street which housed at once the preaching congregation and the Sunday School, but the large, one-winged frame building on Sunday morning was like a bee-hive of young and old bus- ily engaged in the study and teaching of the lessons, edited by the American Baptist Home Mission Socie- ty, all classes being taught with good effect under one roof, departmentalized but not so efficiently as at the present time. We stretch our memory back to the late eighties, prior to which there are no record- ed minutes on the organized Sunday School ; but, even as early as this, we have the following record. In retrospect we see Dr. Worlds in charge of a class of adults and in his inimitable way expounding the gospel to them. The late Colonel James H. Young is sitting in the south wing of the church keeping the record and supervising the Sunday School Pro- gram. As far as we know at the present, he was the first superintendent of the organized church school. From the beginning, the Sunday School of the church has maintained a high average of attendance, capable and energetic teachers and officers, and a remarkable degree of loyalty and devotion to the church. At no time, through the years, has there been any doubt about the future of the organized Sunday School program. Among the many who made rich contributions to this effort (and we could name them by the dozen) were Sisters Mary Burwell, Bula and Anita Rogers, Callie Satterfield, Lula Evans, Sarah Brown, Marian Higgs, Lillie Alston, Aletha Harris, Julie Amie, and Looie Pitts; Brothers Andrew Rogers, E. H. Rogers, William Vass and W. M. Quinn. Col. Young served as General Superintendent for about 40 years .... until 1918 when he resigned because of ill health. A. J. Rogers followed as superintendent and served for six years. He was fatally stricken, while con- ducting the opening exercise on Sunday morning. Professor Joshua L. Levister served from 1925 to 1939 in a progressive program. Brother M. D. Haywood became the next superin- tendent, and it was under his administration, to- gether with the pastor, Dr. 0. S. Bullock, that the program was greatly expanded. From a one-room situation, a departmental school was developed with individual classrooms and a teacher-training course was conducted. The Annex and Bullock Building were part of the great expanding program of the Sunday School. Just a few of the leading personalities of this period were: Brothers, J. L. Levister, S. L. Brown, J. W. Hodge, J. W. Yeargin, W. H. Taylor, Charles B. Jones, W. H. Fuller, L. B. Capehart, George T. Jones, C. H. Frazer, M. T. Pope, and J. D. Crudup; Sisters Susan Taylor, E. C. Pegues, Mildred Taylor, Addie Brown, Maggie Green, Carrie Moseley, Me- helia Bullock, Nancy Hayes, Nan Fuller, Margaret Harris, E. M. Yeargin, R. A. Moore, Beatrice Martin, and F. P. Eatson. Brother Haywood resigned in 1951. Brother W. H. Taylor followed as superintendent and is still acting in this capacity. Associated with him in his early administration were Brother J. W. Yeargin, Superintendent of the Adult Department, Sister Susan Taylor, Young People's Department, Sister Delia Pope, Intermediate Department, Brother A. A. Cooke, Junior Department, Sister S. B. Marks, Primary and Junior Departments, Sister Mildred Chavis, Beginners Department, Sister Florence Young, Cradle Roll Department and Sister Emma Browning, the Home Department. Under the present administration, the Sunday School is continuing to progress. The Ella C. Pegues Bible Class Coleman Bible Class Dorcas Bible Class Executive Committee of Sunday School D. R. INGRAM, Chairman Timothian Bible Class DR. N. H. HARRIS, Teacher Philathia Bible Class MRS. BESSIE W. MOORE, Teacher Sunday School Assembled and the Intermediate Department % ■ ~ # Music Mrs. E. May M. Kelly Minister of Music Mrs. Mildred T. James Director, Senior Choir William W. Hurdle Director, Junior Choir Mrs. E. May M. Kelly Director, Mosley-Jones Choir Mrs. Lucille Paige and Miss Ernestine Laws .... Directors, Tots Choir Mrs. Helen Williams Mother of Tots Choir Mrs. E. May M. Kelly Director, Cathedral Choir Lorenzo D. Battle Director, Male Chorus Wca& cc MRS. E. M. M. KELLY, Minister of Music Music in our early church was largely in the hands of spiritual "song-birds" from the aud- ience. During the early years, the lack of an instrument encouraged more audience partici- pation; hence, many so-called soloists, or song leaders, sprang up. These leaders were truly in- spired of God with spiritual fervor. One of our first such leaders was the Reverend George Mial, who worked at the Oxford Orphanage where he developed a chorus with which he trav- eled and presented concerts. Mr. Dennis Taylor, whose voice thrilled many and lifted their spirits, was also a music personality in the church and served for many years as director of the Sunday School choir during the pastorate of The Rev. C. E. Askew. Mrs. Esther Hinton and Mrs. Lula Evans Young served as Sunday School organists. Through the years there were many other good spirits of song, such as Mrs. Alice Brown and Mrs. Hattie Rogers, whose favorite song, espec- ially during revival, was "0 Why Not Tonight"; and Deacon Wesley Moslev, whose favorites were "Lord. Keep Me Day By Day" and "I Shall Not Be Moved." During any lull in the services, an- other voice, that of Mr. George Hinton, could be heard singing, "Lord, I Want to Be a Christian" with the audience joining in with deep spiritual feeling. Mrs. Lucy Grant Haywood, a well- trained pianist, was the first pianist to receive a salary which was at first paid for by an officer of the church, Colonel J. Young who felt that the min- istry of music deserved a place of dignity and appreciation. Since that time with its humble beginning, the Ministry of Music at the First Baptist Church has aimed at high standards spiritually, cultural- ly, and musically. Keeping in mind the biblical admonishment to sing hymns, anthems, and Gos- pel songs (like Fannye Crosby's hymns) the early MRS. MILDRED T. JAMES, Director, Senior Choir leaders set a high standard of excellence. At the keyboard were persons like Mrs. W. T. Coleman, Mr. John Barret*-, Mrs. Elwyna Holt, and Mrs. Minnie B. H. Freeman. Choir directors were Mr. John Mosley, Dr. George T. Jones, Mr. C. R. Frazer, Mr. William H. Taylor, Sr., and Mrs. M. T. James, who is still serving. Many of the above persons gave a labour of love, working without salary. Worship in music as a part of the spiritual life of the church is presently under the direction of Mrs. E. M. M. Kelly, Minister of Music, and of Mrs. M. T. James, Senior Choir Director. These two have a corps of paid and volunteer workers who serve in various music capacities: namely, director of Junior Choir, director of Tots' Choir, director of Male chorus, organist of Junior Choir, and assistant organists. Mrs. E. May Morgan Kelly has served the church continuously since August, 1922, with a few brief periods of absence on a physician's advice. She served at first as organist, but is now Minister of Music, a position she has held since 1946. She received the bachelor's degree from Shaw University and the master's degree from Columbia University. She studied voice under Dr. Harry Robert Wilson and organ under Dr. Carl Weinrich, both of Columbia University. Mrs. Kelly, a teacher of vocal music at Ligon Junior-Senior High School, has been teaching in the Raleigh public school system since the fall of 1926. She is a member of the American Guild of Organists. Mrs. M. T. James, director of the Senior Choir, received the A.B. degree from Shaw University and the M.A. degree from the University of Pennsylvania. She was chosen Woman of the Year for 1960. She is a worker in the Church school, the B. T. U., is on the Executive Board of the Y. W. C. A., and is a teacher in the public school system. The Cathedral Choir The Senior Choir MOSLEY-JONES CHOIR MALE CHORUS JUNIOR CHOIR TOTS CHOIR Senior Usher Board M. C. Hill is president, Mrs. Cornelia Hawkins and Miss Belva Lane vice presidents. Junior Usher Board The youth group is under the general supervision of the general officers of the senior ushers. They perform efficiently one Sunday in each month. ft: MRS. MAHELIA BULLOCK AND THE SALLIE MIAL BAND, 1946 Youth Activities The celebration of the one hundred and fiftieth an- niversary of the church may well serve as a period for examining and evaluating the program for the young people. With the exception of the Sunday School, little or no provision was made to develop and foster interest of the young people. It had not occurred to the adults that young people were something "special" and that special provision should be made to develop and hold their interest. The Sunday School was the leading factor in the training of the young people, with the original goal being to develop a greater knowledge of and love for the scripture and to teach them to live upright and consecrated lives. However, in later years it began to dawn upon the pastor and some able leaders that the young people needed more than what the church program offered. And so they set about to do something about it. As a result the Baptist Young People's Union was organ- ized, which was later changed to the Baptist Training Union. The BYPU came into being under the leader- ship of Dr. and Mrs. 0. S. Bullock. Their labor and interest are still bearing fruit. Under the staunch and prayerful leadership of Mrs. Sarah Brown Marks, Miss Addye Brown, Mr. Turner, Mr. J. W. Yeargin, Mrs. M. B. Greene, Mrs. Bessie Barrett, Mr. C. A. Levister, Miss Pattie Sessom, Miss Clarine Christmas, Mr. Joseph Christmas, Mr. Lin- wood Sanders, Mr. Henry T. Johnson, Miss Ruth Pope, Miss Madelyn Watson, Miss Olivia Browning, Mrs. Ruby Sanders McKinney, Mr. William Hughes, Mr. W. H. Peace, Jr., Miss Mae Crudup, and Mr. James Hodge, this organization grew and became one of the leading Baptist organizations in the state of North Carolina. The young people enjoyed the many trips to the Baptist State Convention, and frequently re- turned with the banner for contributing the largest donation to the convention. These young people were given opportunities for varied and rich experiences — namely, to pray, lead discussions, to sing, to serve as delegates, to become leaders and to learn Baptist doctrine, through study and discussions. One of the most interesting activities of the B.T.U. was the Story Hour. This gave a place for all age groups to participate. Today the Baptist Training Union is doing a great work under the leadership of Mr. Frank Hinton and his consecrated associates. The pastor, The Reverend C. W. Ward and his wife are giving the organization their full support in order to make it one of the best media for the training of church members for Chris- tian service and duty. This church pioneered in promoting the Daily Va- cation Bible School under the leadership of Dr. 0. S. Bullock. It was organized in 1926. Transportation was and is still furnished for all children, which in no small degree accounts for the fact that the school maintains an average enrollment of 400 pupils. For many years the school ran for one month each year. The present time is for a period of two weeks. The success of the school has been due largely to the work of the following principals : Mrs. S. B. Marks (now deceased), Miss Effie Yeargin, Mrs. Pattie Smith, Mrs. Fannie Taylor, Mrs. Mildred James, Dr. 0. S. Bullock and the Reverend C. W. Ward. Through continued programs and numerous activi- ties a bright future looms ahead for the young people of the First Baptist Church, for they along with able, consecrated ministers will make the ministry of the church rich and full. Cub Scouts Girl Scouts Boy Scouts The Church At Work Miss Addye C. Brown Office Secretary COURTESY COMMITTEE Left to right: Robert Hodge, Mrs. Louise Nelson, Sylvester White, and William Nel- son. FINANCE COMMITTEE D. M. Jarnagin, Mrs. Mary Sapp, N. T. Mitchell, Mrs. Wilhelmenia Williams, A. A. Cooke. The Church At Worship Church Builders Attorney Willis G. Briggs Recognized authority on the early history of Raleigh and its institu- tions. He wrote a Historical Sketch of the Baptist Church in 1931. We have used this as a basis for much of Dur record of the Church. Dr. Thomas E. Skinner Mrs. Daisy Ligon Mrs. Florence YOITNG Mrs. Sarah Marks A Salute To James W. Yeargin Essex Henry Miss Mary BUBWELL Chief Historian Sunday School officer for forty years Member of Deacon and Trustee Boards thirty-three years Gave brick for the construction of Sunday School annex 1928 Secured free government labor, WPA, in annex con- struction Negotiated $5,000.00 saving in purchase price of Bullock Building, 1945 Serves efficiently as Church Clerk v -;.\ _'■-'* The Pastoral Family Seated from left : Mrs. Roberta Gore Ward, the wife of Reverend Ward. Mrs. Ward is a graduate of Fort Valley College, Fort Valley, Georgia and of Clark College, Atlanta, Georgia. She has done additional work in the field of Religi- ous Education at Gammon Theological Seminary, Atlanta, Georgia. She formerly taught in the field of Home Economics. Mrs. Ward is a member of the Ministers Wives Alliance, the Council of United Church Women, and the Fellowship Com- mittee of the Y.W.C.A. She is a writer for the Missionary Helper of the Woman's Home and Foreign Missionary Baptist Convention of North Carolina. Next to Mrs. Ward is the Reverend Ward. Right : Mrs. Georgia T. Gore, the mother of Mrs. Ward. Mrs. Gore is the widow of the late Reverend John Wesley Gore. She has two other daughters, Mrs. Fannie Gore Brad- ford of Jacksonville, Florida and Miss Minnie T. Gore, Di- rector of Nursing at the Homer G. Phillips Hospital, St. Louis, Missouri. Standing: Charles Winfred Ward, Jr., the son of Reverend and Mrs. Ward. Charles is 9 years old. He is in the 5th grade at Crosby Garfield School. He attends Sunday School at First Baptist and is a Cub Scout. The Parsonage Sesquicentennial Celebration March 4-11, 1962 Theme *4The Light Through The Years" 31 Stemrmbrr Reminiscences of one's more active days become a source of pleasure par- ticularly when the recol- lections concern long loved people and places. Without a doubt my re- collections of the First Baptist Church in Ral- eigh brighten as the years pass. Pleasant events and joyous scenes are highlighted, while others fade in the dim light of the past. Over more than forty years I can yet feel the thrill of surprise, and the delight of anticipa- tion that was mine when the telegram came invit- ing me to become the pastor of the First Bap- tist Church in Raleigh, N. C. This invitation broke the tradition which customarily sub- jects the prospective minister to a "trial ser- mon" and to a searching interview with church Dr. 0. S. Bullock officials. During the thirty-seven years of my pastorate, the pattern of tradition-breaking developed in the relationship between membership and pastor. There was always strong, supporting leadership encouraging me as I embarked upon new and sometimes visionary programs I visualize many "high days" of achievement in numerous areas of the physical and spiritual efforts within the thriving church program. Before my eyes pass the faces of many of the older, staunch supporters who have left the scene — Church Treasurer James Higgs; Brothers Col- lins Walker, W. H. Peace, Essex Henry, George Jones; Brothers Dover, Lindsay and Mosley. Add to them those dedicated women working ceaselessly in Sunday School, White Christmas, or Daily Vacation Bible School, or evangelical services : Sisters Ella C. Pegues, Delia Pope, Sarah Marks, Susan Taylor, Pattie Hinton, and others Beyond the events, buildings and materials that mark the long path of the years, lie the hundreds of thoughts and feelings involving sincere friends, devout Christians and fellow workers whose lives have touched mine and who will live forever in my mind as I remember. . . . Guest Speakers The Reverend Marshall L. Shepard was born July 10, 1899 in Oxford, N. C. He was educated at Virginia Union University in Richmond, Va., and Pendle Hill Quaker Graduate Center in Walling- ford, Pa. He was assistant pastor of Abyssinia Baptist Church in New York City from 1923-26. From 1926 to the present time he has served as pastor of Mount Olivet Tabernacle Baptist Church, Philadelphia, Pa. He was elected to the Pennsylvania State Legislature from 1934-36-40 and cited for meritorious service by the Governor of the Commonwealth. In September, 1944, he was appointed Recorder of Deeds of Washington, D. C. In 1951, he was elected Recorder of Deeds of Philadelphia. He was electd Councilman-at-Large of Philadelphia in November, 1955 and re-elected in November, 1959. Other activities include: Religious Work Secre- tary, 135th Street Branch YMCA, New York, New York 1922-23; former chairman, Foreign Mission Board of the National Baptist Conven- tion ; delegate and speaker at the World Baptist Alliance in 1947 at Copenhagen, Denmark; Board of Directors, Christian Street YMCA, Philadel- phia; Division Christian Life and Work, National Council of Churches. His fraternal organizations include Alpha Phi Alpha, Masons, and Elks. Dr. Marshall Shepard Dr. Askew, a former pastor of this church (1912-1921), was born in Harrellsville, North Carolina. He received his literary and theological training at Shaw University, Raleigh, North Car- olina. The honorary degrees of Doctor of Divinity has been conferred upon him by his alma mater and by Benedict College, South Carolina. Prior to his acceptance of the pastorate of this church, Dr. Askew served at the First Baptist Church in Rocky Mount, North Carolina. In 1921 he answered a call to serve as pastor of a church in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and following this he moved to the Third Baptist Church, Detroit, Michigan. He remained at this post until his re- tirement. Since coming back to North Carolina, Dr. Askew has served as guest minister and supply pastor at many of our churches. After the retire- ment of Dr. Bullock he served as interim pastor. Dr. and Mrs. Askew reside in Zebulon, N. C. Dr. C. E. Askew Dr. Robert M. Pitts A native of South Carolina, Dr. Pitts was edu- cated in the public schools of Rock Hill, S. C. and graduated from Friendship College, and was later awarded the honorary Doctor of Divinity degree by Friendship College. Dr. Pitts has probably conducted more evange- listic and revival services than any other living and active pastor in our state. He is known far and wide as a pulpiteer. He is also outstanding as a financier, builder and pastor. Under his cap- able leadership the Shiloh Baptist Church of Winston-Salem, N. C, has built, paid for and dedicated a new education building at a cost of $75,000.00. As president of the General Baptist Convention of North Carolina, Inc., perhaps the most out- standing fact of our president's tenure has been in his leading the Baptist of North Carolina in assuming the capital indebtedness of Shaw Uni- versity. He is leading the Baptists in liquidating this indebtedness. These words seem to describe our president: "Loyal in devotion to the convention, its purpose and objective ; earnest in his ef- forts to provide leadership, adventurous in launching out into new and wider areas of Christian service, dynamic in his approach. Energetic in promoting the program, stal- wart in moments of crisis, honorable in the conduct of office, indefatigable in action, patient in tribulation spell out the type of leadership which Dr. Pitts has provided since taking the helm of the ship."* ^Baptist Informer, Vol. 88, June, 1961, p. 3. Dr. William R. Strassner, the sixth president of historic Shaw University, was born in Morril- ton, Arkansas. His formal education was received at Arkansas Baptist College, Little Rock, Arkansas, and at Virginia Union University Theological Seminary. Later he entered Andover Newton Theological School, Boston, Massachusetts for further theo- logical training where he received the Master of Sacred Theology. Dr. Strassner has also done doc- toral work at Union Theological Seminary and Columbia University. He has had a highly successful career as a Bap- tist minister and pastor, Dean of the School of Religion both at Bishop College, Marshall, Texas and at Shaw University, and was elected presi- dent of the Institution in 1950. In 1952 Shaw University conferred upon him the degree of Doctor of Divinity. Among his long list of memberships the follow- ing are significant : Fellowship of Southern Churchmen, Southern Regional Educational Fund, North Carolina Teachers Association, Na- tional Education Association, Boy Scouts of America, Young Men's Christian Association. His name is listed in Religious Leaders of Amer- ica. Dr. Strassner is a minister, educator, adminis- trator and an ambassador of Christian education ; wise in his unremitting efforts to move America forward towards our historic goals of real equal- ity and justice. Dr. William R. Strassner Dr. Robert P. Daniel Dr. Robert P. Daniel, a son of the distinguished Daniel family, was born on the campus of Vir- ginia State College. He received the A.B. degree at Virginia Union University as valedictorian of his class, and the A.M. and Ph.D. degrees at Co- lumbia University. He has done post-doctoral study in Bible at Union Theological Seminary of New York. As an educator since 1924, he has been a pro- fessor of Education at Virginia Union University (1924-36), president of Shaw University (1936- 50), and president of Virginia State College (1950- ). An outstanding scholar and educa- tor, he has held positions and appointments in numerous educational and professional organiza- tions. The recipient of numerous honors and awards, he holds membership in many honorary and learned organizations. He is listed in eight bio- graphical publications, including Who's Who in American Education, Who's Who in America and World Biography. As a citizen and churchman his activities have been many and varied. Receiving appointments from former presidents Truman and Eisenhower, he has been a member of three Federal advisory boards and chairman of the Evaluation Team of the Technical Assistance Program of Liberia (1954). An outstanding Baptist layman and minister (ordained to the ministry in 1940), he has served in many capacities at local, national, and international levels. He is married to the former Blanche Ardelle Taylor of Richmond, Virginia. She, as did her husband received the A.B. degree from Virginia Union University and the A.M. degree from Co- lumbia University. Both Dr. and Mrs. Daniel are members of the Gillfield Baptist Church, Peters- burg, Virginia. From the "Mother Church" of Baptist congregations in the city of Raleigh, we extend greetings and congratulations to you in the Sesqui- centennial celebration of your congregation as a continuing Christian fellowship. We pray God's blessing to be poured out upon you in the future as in the past. Though our congregations went their free and inde- pendent ways many decades ago in the spirit of fraternal love, we would acknowledge in that same spirit our continuing and unbroken oneness in Christ and His eternal Kingdom. We invite you to our celebration, even as we have asked your Board of Deacons to be official guests on Tuesday, March 6, 1962, at which time your esteemed pastor will pray the evening prayer for us. John Lewis, Pastor First Baptist Church Salisbury and Edenton Streets SESQUICENTENNIAL WORSHIP PROGRAM Theme: "The Light Through The Years." SUNDAY, MARCH 4, 1962 Morning Worship 11 O'clock The Reverend C. W. Ward, Pastor, Presiding ORGAN PRELUDE — "Panis Angelicus" Franck "Jesu, Joy of Man's Desire" Bach "Our Father Who Art in Heaven" Bach Mrs. E. May M. Kelly, Minister of Music CALL TO WORSHIP: PROCESSIONAL HYMN No. 244— "The Church's One Foundation" INVOCATION : RESPONSE — "Threefold Amen." HYMN No. 133 — "All Hail The Power Of Jesus Name." STATEMENT OF PURPOSE Mrs. Nora Evans Lockhart HYMN No. 128 — "Oh For A Thousand Tongues To Sing" SCRIPTURE PRAYER Reverend J. A. Lester RESPONSE No. 147 — "Come Holy Spirit Heavenly Dove" ANTHEM — "Hallelujah Chorus" From Messiah Handel THE SESQUICENTENNIAL CHOIR ANNOUNCEMENTS RECOGNITION OF VISITORS OFFERTORY — "Where Could I Go But To The Lord." INTRODUCTION OF SPEAKER Mr. W. C. Davenport Co-Chairman, Sesquicentennial Committee HYMN OF MEDITATION No. 39 — "Oh God Our Help" SERMON Dr. Marshall Shepard Pastor, Mount Olivet Baptist Church Philadelphia, Pennsylvania HYMN OF INVITATION No. 168 — "Mv Faith Looks Up To Thee" DOXOLOGY BENEDICTION MEDITATION ORGAN POSTLUDE SUNDAY, MARCH 4, 1962 — 7:30 P.M. The Reverend Leotha Debnam, Presiding Pastor, First Baptist Church, Smith-field, N. C. JOINT COMMUNION SERVICE Baptist Churches of Raleigh, North Carolina and Wake Association ORGAN PRELUDE — "Litany For The Feast Of All Saints" Shubert "In Death's Strong Grasp The Saviour Lay" Bach "0 Divine Redeemer" Gounod Mrs. E. May M. Kelly, Minister of Music CALL TO WORSHIP PROCESSIONAL — "Lead Me To Calvary" INVOCATION : RESPONSE — "Threefold Amen" HYMN No. 249 — "Faith Of Our Fathers" SCRIPTURE — Cor. 11:23-34 PRAYER RESPONSE No. 147 — "Come Holy Spirit." SELECTION — "Let Us Break Bread Together" THE SESQUICENTENNIAL CHOIR OFFERTORY — "He Is King Of Kings" THE SESQUICENTENNIAL CHOIR HYMN OF MEDITATION No. 251 — "0 Happy Day" SERMON — "The Lord's Supper" Dr. C. E. Askew Retired Former Pastor COMMUNION EXCERPTS Dr. Grady Davis Pastor, Oberlin Baptist Church COMMUNION SERVICE HYMNS No. 253 — "Bread Of Heaven" No. 181 — "Amazing Grace" No 217 — "Blest Be The Tie That Binds" WEDNESDAY, MARCH 7, 1962 — 8:00 Dr. 0. L. Sherrill, Presiding Executive Secretary, General Baptist State Convention ORGAN PRELUDE R. H. Toole Organist, Saint Paul Methodist Church CALL TO WORSHIP INVOCATION : RESPONSE — "Bless The Lord 0 My Soul" HYMN No. 284 — "God Of Grace And God Of Glory" SCRIPTURE — Genesis 12:1-9. PRAYER RESPONSE — "Hear Our Prayer 0 Lord" Whelpton ANTHEM — "Zion Stands With Hills Surrounded" Hasting Loran Saint Paul Choristers R. H. Toole, Director Mrs. Mary Smith, Assistant OFFERTORY — "A Mighty Fortress Is Our God" Arr by Mueller The Sesquicentennial Choir Mrs. E. May M. Kelly, Director GREETINGS Woman's Baptist Home and Foreign Missionary Convention Dr. Ellen S. Alston The North Carolina Baptist Convention Dr. Douglas Branch SELECTION — "Plenty Good Room" Wilson St. Paul Choristers, R H. Toole, Director GREETINGS The Raleigh Ministerial Association Reverend George B. S. Hale The Raleigh Interdenominational Ministers Alliance Reverend D. N. Howard INTRODUCTION OF SPEAKER Dr. 0. L. Sherrill SELECTION — "I Love Thy Kingdom Lord" St. Paul Choristers, R. H. Toole, Director SERMON — "God and Abraham in Partnership" Dr. R. M. Pitts President, General Baptist State Convention ANTHEM — "Now Let All The Heavens Adore Thee" Bach St. Paul Choristers, R. H. Toole, Director BENEDICTION AND CHORAL RESPONSE ORGAN POSTLUDE THURSDAY, MARCH 8, 1962 — 8:00 Dr. Paul H. Johnson, Presiding Pastor, Martin Street Baptist Church ORGAN PRELUDE Harry H. Gil-Smythe, Organist CALL TO WORSHIP: INVOCATION: RESPONSE HYMN No. 12 — "Day Is Dying in the West" SCRIPTURE — Romans 1 :8-17 PRAYER: RESPONSE ANTHEM — "Cry Out And Shout" Knut The Shaw University Chorale Society Harry H. Gil-Smythe, Director OFFERTORY: Solo — "Eternal Life" Dungan Joe Brown, Baritone GREETINGS Saint Augustine's College Dr. James A. Boyer President, Saint Augustine's College Raleigh Council nf Churches Atty. Charles F. Blanchard INTRODUCTION OF SPEAKER Dr. P. H. Johnson SELECTION — "Elijah Rock" Hall-Johnson The Shaw University Chorale Society SERMON — "Our Debt and Our Duty" Dr. W. R. Strassner President, Shaw University ANTHEM — "When Thou Comest" Rosinni The Shaw University Chorale Society BENEDICTION AND CHORAL RESPONSE ORGAN POSTLUDE 1812 1962 PROGRAM ONE HUNDRED FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY BANQUET Chavis Heights Recreation Center March 9, 1962 — 8:00 p.m. MENU Chilled Fruit Cup Celery Hearts Carrot Sticks Roast Turkey Dressing with Giblet Gravey Cranberry Sauce Sweet Potato Souffle String Beans Country Style Spiced Crab Apple Hearts of Lettuce French Dressing Assorted Rolls Warm Apple Pie with Cheese Coffee Toastmistress: Mrs. Nora Evans Lockhart Chairman, Sesquicentennial Committee Invocation The Reverend Charles W. Ward Pastor Response : Solo — "The Lord's Model Prayer" Miss Ernestine Laws Welcome Dr. Nelson L. Perry Finance Committee DINNER Music — "Veni Creator" Sesquicentennial Ensemble Special Guests Mrs. Virginia K. Newell Program Committee Greetings : Richard B. Harrison Library Mrs. Mollie H. Lee Head Librarian Young Women's Christian Association Mrs. Hattie Edmondson President MUSIC : Solo — "Let All My Life Be Music" Mrs. Shirley Liggett Greetings : Young Men's Christian Association Mr. Charles A. Haywood, Sr. President Business Mr. C. C. Smith, Jr. District Manager, N. C. Mutual Life Insurance Company Music: Solo — Mr. Lorenzo Battle, Tenor Speci4l Recognitions BENEDICTION SUNDAY, MARCH 11, 1962 Eleven O'clock The Reverend C. W. Ward, Pastor, Presiding ORGAN PRELUDE — "Let Us All Praise Our God" Bach — "A Rose Breaks Into Bloom" Brahms — "Ave Verum" Mozart Mrs. E. May M. Kelly, Minister of Music CALL TO WORSHIP- PROCESSIONAL HYMN No. 210 — "Lead On 0 King Eternal" INVOCATION RESPONSE — "Threefold Amen" HYMN No. 247 — "I Love Thy Kingdom Lord" RESPONSIVE READING HYMN No. 1 — "Holy. Holy, Holy" SCRIPTURE — II Timothy 1 :1-14. PRAYER Reverend J. M. Clanton RESPONSE No. 420 — "Hear Our Prayer 0 Lord" ANTHEM — "O Morn Of Beauty" Sibeline The Sesquicentennial Choir ANNOUNCEMENTS — RECOGNITION OF VISITORS OFFERTORY — "I Just Can't Make It By Myself" HISTORICAL SKETCH Mr. J. W. Yeargin INTRODUCTION OF SPEAKER Dr. Nelson H. Harris HYMN OF MEDITATION No. 238 — "Jesus Saviour Pilot Me" SERMON — "Unfaltering Trust" DR. ROBERT P. DANIEL President, Virginia State College HYMN OF INVITATION No. 173 — "I Am Coming To The Cross" DOXOLOGY BENEDICTION RECESSIONAL HYMN No. 209 — "Onward Christian Soldiers" ORGAN POSTLUDE RECEPTION — 5:00-6:00 EVENING WORSHIP SUNDAY, MARCH 11, 1962 — 7:30 The Reverend C. W. Ward, Pastor, Presiding ORGAN PRELUDE — "Come Sweet Peace" Bach "If With All Your Hearts" Mendelssohn "O Rest In The Lord" Mendelssohn Mrs. E. May M. Kelly, Minister of Music CALL TO WORSHIP PROCESSIONAL HYMN No. 47 — "Rejoice Ye Pure In Heart" INVOCATION RESPONSE — "Threefold Amen" HYMN No. 245 — "Zion Stands" SCRIPTURE PRAYER RESPONSE No. 147 — "Come Holy Spirit" SELECTION — "He Knows Just How Much You Can Bear" SESQUICENTENNIAL PAGEANT — First Baptist Church, Raleigh, North Carolina (1812 1962) Mrs. Mildred T. James, Director SOLO — "Eternal Life" Dungan Miss Marjorie Williams OFFERTORY ANTHEM — "Psalm One Hundred and Fifty" HYMN No. 216 — "We March, We March To Victory" DOXOLOGY BENEDICTION MEDITATION ORGAN POSTLUDE t FRIENDS EXTEND CONGRATULATIONS AND IMPLORE HEAVEN'S RICHEST BLESSINGS AS WE MARCH FORWARD INTO A SECOND "150 YEARS OF UNBROKEN SERVICE FOR GOD." Our Friends in Business He that ahideth in me, and I in him, bringeth forth much fruit. — John 15:5 HARRIS BARBER COLLEGE Mrs. A. E. Brown, Proprietor JOHN W. WINTERS AND COMPANY Real Estate Brokers and Builders IRVING-SWAIN PRESS, Inc. Charles G. Irving, President DR. AND MRS. C. L. HUNT, M.D. S. J. MACON'S BARBER SHOP S. J. Macon, Proprietor NORTH CAROLINA MUTUAL LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY Dr. A. T. Spaulding, President C. C. Smith, Jr., District Manager ACME REALTY COMPANY S. T. Gibson, Secretary MECHANICS AND FARMERS BANK Durham-Raleigh Organizations Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatso- ever ye do, do all to the glory of God. — I Corinthians 10:31 SCRUGGS MEDICAL SOCIETY Dr. C. L. Hunt, President HOUSEHOLD OF RUTH No. 116 Mrs. Elnora Sanders, M. N. G. SHRINERS — KABALA TEMPLE No. 177 James A. Speed, 111. Potentate THE RALEIGH CHAPTER OF LINKS, Inc. Mrs. Nannie B. Inborden, President FRIDAY AFTERNOON BOOK CLUB Mrs. John Michael, President WOMAN'S BAPTIST HOME AND FOREIGN MISSIONARY CONVENTION OF N. C. Mrs. M. A. Home, President Dr. Ellen S. Alston, Executive Secretary BAPTIST SUPPLY STORE Mrs. Varah Noble, Assistant Manager Omicron Zeta Chapter ZETA PHI BETA SORORITY, Inc. Mrs. Vivian Brown, President Phi Lambda Chapter ALPHA PHI ALPHA FRATERNITY M. H. Crockett, President Fidelity Lodge No. 277 I. P. 0. E. OF W. Julius Haywood Alpha Theta Omega Chapter ALPHA KAPPA ALPHA SORORITY Mrs. Harriet B. Webster, Basileus Ruth Chapter No. 2 ORDER OF THE EASTERN STAR Mrs. C. G. Irving, Worthy Matron Eta Sigma Chapter PHI BETA SIGMA FRATERNITY Guilbert Daley, President THE ROSE BUD GARDEN CLUB Mrs. Pattie Higgs, President EXCELSIOR LODGE No. 21 Earl D. Haywood, Worshipful Master FOURTH WARD FLORAL CLUB Mrs. Mary Lane, President Iota Iota Chapter OMEGA PSI PHI FRATERNITY W. W. Hurdle, Basileus Our Sister Churches Greet Us // any man will come himself, and take uv his me. TUPPER MEMORIAL BAPTIST CHURCH Reverend D. N. Howard, Pastor SHILOH BAPTIST CHURCH, Winston-Salem Dr. R. Mack Pitts, Pastor FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH, Wilson Reverend Talmadge Watkins, Pastor FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH, LaGrange, Ga. Reverend R. L. Hill, Pastor NEW AHOSKIE BAPTIST CHURCH, Ahoskie Reverend William D. Tyree, Pastor after me, let him deny cross daily, and folloiv — Luke 9 :23. GOOD HOPE BAPTIST CHURCH, Shotwell Reverend C. R. Trotter, Pastor FRIENDSHIP BAPTIST CHURCH, New York Reverend Thomas Kilgore, Pastor MT. ZION BAPTIST CHURCH, Rocky Mount Reverend George Dudley, Pastor FLAT CREEK BAPTIST CHURCH, Henderson Reverend J. E. McGrier, Pastor Friends Giving thanks ahvays for all things unto God. — Ephesians 5:20. MISS JEANNE V. EATON New York, N. Y. MRS. ANTOINETTE JOHNSON TOLSON Washington, D. C. DR. AND MRS. W. R. STRASSNER Shaw University Raleigh, North Carolina DR. JAMES A. BOYER President, Saint Augustine's College Raleigh, North Carolina REVEREND A. A. ANDERSON Raleigh, North Carolina DR. 0. L. SHERRILL, Executive Secretary General Baptist State Convention, Inc. Raleigh, North Carolina DR. R. MACK PITTS, President General Baptist State Convention, Inc. Winston-Salem, North Carolina DR. WENDELL C. SOMERVILLE Executive Secretary, Lott Carey Foreign Mission Baptist Convention Washington, D. C. MRS. SARAH R. SPEED Raleigh, North Carolina DR. WALTER SLADE, JR. Brooklyn, New York MISS EUGENIA JOHNSON Raleigh, North Carolina Look earnestly to the future with these members of our church: Albea, Mrs. Mahalie Allen, Mrs. Berlie Alston, Mrs. Ellen Ancrum, Mrs. Nannie Ballentine, Mrs. Lillie S. Bean, Reverend J. D. Beckwith, Mrs. Ruth Blount, Mrs. Matilda Bolton, Mrs. Flossie Branch, Joseph Branch, Mrs. Mary Bratton, Mrs. Lillie Broadie, Mrs. Mae Brooks, Mrs. Nellie Brown, Miss A. C. Bullock, Ben Burch, Mrs. Eleanor B. And qreater things shall ye do John 14:12 Burt, Miss Vivian Canady, John* Chavis, Dennis Chavis, Frank Chavis, Mrs. Mildred Laws Cheek, Mrs. Bessie Cheek, Mrs. Willie M. Clanton, Reverend J. H. Clanton, Mrs. J. M. Clarke, Mrs. Bertha Colson, Lex Colson, Mrs. Ida Cooke, A. A. Cooke, Miss Joyce* Cox, Mrs. Annie Cox, Carolina* Cox, Otha Crockett, M. H. Cumbo, Mrs. Kittie N. Cumbo, Miss T. Lorraine Davenport, Constance* Davenport, Mrs. Ruth Davenport, W. C. Davenport, Walter* Debnam, Leotha* Debnam, Emily Mae* Debnam, Miss Pearline* DeLane, Mrs. Rosa Dunbar, Louis Dunn, Eugene Dunn, Mrs. Annie B. Dunn, Mrs. Eugenia Dunn, Millie* Dunn, Mazie Bell* Eaton, J. W. Eaton, Mrs. Minetta B. Eaton, Miss Faye Y.* Ellis, Mrs. Eula Ellis, Mrs. Eloise Ellis, Mrs. Lovie Evans, Aulcie Evans, Mrs. Louise Freeman, James P. Gill, Mrs. Grace Gill, Miss Patricia* Glasco, Mrs. Amelia Goldston, Mrs. Rebecca Greene, Mrs. Ethel Griswold, Mrs. Lucille Hall, Delma Hamlin, Dr. J. T. Harris, Dr. N. H. Harris, Mrs. Addie Hawkins, Miss Anne S. Hawkins, Mrs. Cornelia Hawkins, Mrs. Ivory Haywood, M. D. Haywood, Mrs. Zana B. Haywood, Moody Haywood, Miss Orna Hicks, Miss Janett Hicks, Maritza* Higgs, Mrs. Pattie Hill, M. C. Holmes, Mrs. Julia Hooker, Mrs. Annie Horton, Reverend Avery Horton, Mrs. Leasie Humphry, Mrs. Mary Hunter, Miss Louise* Hurdle, W. W. Hurdle, Mrs. Annie D. Harrison, Miss C. L. Hodge, Mrs. Hennie P. Ingram, D. R. Ingram, Mrs. Bettie Ingram, Handsel* Ingram, Victor 0.* Jackson, Mrs. Nora James, Harry James, Mrs. Mildred T. Jarnagin, D. M. Jarnagin, Mrs. Ada M. Jeffries, Miss Christine Jeffries, Mrs. Jannie Johnson, Miss Eugenia Johnson, Mrs. Omelia Jones, Mrs. Callie S. Jones, Carol* Jones, Mrs. Dorothy L. Jones, Ellis R. Jones, Miss Florine* Jones, Raymond Jones, Roslind* Jones, W. E. Kelly, Mrs. E. M. M. Lane, Miss Belva Lane, Miss Sallie R. Lane, Miss Emma Lane, Mrs. Mary Pugh Lane, Mrs. Mozelle P. Langston, C. A. Laws, Mrs. Carrie M. Laws, William W. Laws, Miss Ernestine B. Leach, N. E. Levister, Miss Claudette M.* Ligon, Miss Maye E Ligon, Miss Hazel Lockhart, Mrs. Nora E. Lundy, Mrs. Dorothy Lundy, Elsie Marie* Lundy, Sarah Ann* Lyon, Wayman* Mallette, Mrs. A. C. Marrow, Thomas Marrow, Mrs. Irene S. McClain, Miss Fannie McGowan, James McKinney, Mrs. Ruby S. McNair, Mrs. Jerusha Miller, Mrs. Alma Miller, Mrs. Ann H. Mitchell, Mrs. Martha J. Mitchell, N. Theo Mitchell, P. G. Mitchell, Mrs. Isabelle Montague, Mrs. Dixie Moore, Mrs. Bessie Morgan, Mrs. Ella Morgan, Charlsea* Morgan, Mrs. Margaret Morgan, Miss Sarah* Paige, Mrs. Lillian Parrish, Mrs. Cleo Payne, Dr. Foster Perry, Mrs. Dorothy Perry, Dr. Nelson L. Perry, Mrs. Susie V. Perry, Miss M. Lloydine* Phillips Alonza D. Pope, Miss Evelyn Pope, Mrs. Lillie Pope, Miss Ruth Prather, Mrs. C. M. Pratt, Mrs. Jemima Pretty, Alfred* Quick, Mrs. Catherine Quick, Miss Elveria* Raines, Miss Burma Rand, P. W. Richardson, Mrs. Roberta Rivers, Brenda* Robinson, Ben Rogers, Mrs. Delores W. Rogers, Geneva Sanders, A. E. Sanders, Mrs. Bernstine Sanders, David* Sanders, Aubrey* Sanders, Wanda* Sanders, Eddie M. Sanders, Mrs. Elnora Sanders, Mrs. Nora Sanders, William Sanders, Mrs. V. L. Sapp, Mrs. Mary B. Scott, Mrs. L. B. Scott, Jacqueline* Scott, Miss Melveese* Sharper, Mrs. Sara B. Shelton, Vernon* Shelton, Patricia* Shelton, Lydia* Sherman, Daniel Sherrill, Mrs. Gladys Pills, James Slade, Miss B. L. Smith, Mrs. P. M. Spain, Mrs. Connie Speed, James Spraggins, Mrs. Beatrice Martin Stancil, Mrs. Lucy H. Stanley, Miss Cardrienne* Stanley, Lawrence* Taylor, Mrs. Annie Thomas, Mrs. K. L. Thompson, Miss Naomi Thompson, Herman L.* Thorpe, Hallie Toney, Mrs. Susie Trotter, Mrs. Edna G. Vinson, Miss Beverly* Vinson, Mrs. Inez Walden, Miss Diana* Ward, Reverend Charles W. Ward, Mrs. Roberta Watson, Frank Watson, Miss Madelyn White, Herman White, Mrs. Mazie Williams, Mrs. Jestina H. Williams, Geraldine* Williams, Johnny P.* Williams, Mrs. Annie L. Williams, Miss Lonnetta* Williams, Miss Viola Williams, Mrs. Helen Williams, Luke Williams, Miss Ernestine* Williams, Flodstyne* Williams, Miss Carrie H. Williams, Mrs. W. A. Wimberley, Mrs. Laura P. Wimberley, Richard E., Jr. Yarbrough, Madelyn* Yarbrough, Marilyn* Yarbrough, Mrs. Merca L. Yarbrough, William* Yarborough, Mrs. Geneva Yeargin, J. W. York, Everlee Young, James Young, Mrs. Lula Evans "Denotes Junior Member ERRATA Carter, Miss Thomasine* Harris, Michael* Lee, Mrs. Olene Moore, Miss Eugenia T.* Newell, G. F. Newell, Mrs. Virginia Rand, Franklin Taylor, Mr. W. H. Thomas, William* Williams, Mr. Joseph Williams, Master Michael* Sesquicentennial Committees GENERAL COMMITTEE MEETING Front Row: left to right: M. C. Hill, Dr. N. L. Perry, Mrs. E. Morgan Kelly, C. R. Frazer, J. W- Yeargin, Joseph Christmas, Jesse Branche, Dr. Ellen S. Alston, Reverend D. N. Howard, Mrs. Mildred T. James, and Mrs. Kathleen L. Thomas. PROGRAM Mrs. Laura W. Wimberley, Chairman Dr. J. T. Hamlin Mrs. Amelia Johnson Miss Mildred McTyre Mrs. Beatrice Spraggins Mrs. Virginia K. Newell Mrs. Betty Ingram Mrs. Ruby McKinney Mrs. Ann T. Miller Miss Vivian Burt Reverend J. A. Lester FINANCE W. C. Davenport, Chairman Mrs. Mildred L. Chavis, Secretary Dr. N. L. Perry, Co-Chairman Ben Bullock Mrs. Irene Marrow Mrs. Pattie Higgs Mrs. Carrie Laws Luke Williams Mrs. Lease Horton Mrs. Elwyna Holt C. A. Langston Mrs. Sarah Sharper Mrs. Mary P. Lane Mrs. Eula Ellis HISTORY J. W. Yeargin, Chairman Dr. N. H. Harris W. H. Taylor J. W. Eaton C. R. Frazer Mrs. Lillie Williams Miss Addye C. Brown Mrs. Hattie Toole Mrs. Eugenia Dunn MUSIC Mrs. Emily M. Kelly, Chairman Charles R. Frazer Mrs. Mildred T. James Mrs. Susie V. Perry Mrs. Lillian H. Branche W. W. Hurdle Mr. Lorenzo Battle Mrs. Ruby P. Greene Miss Cardrienne Stanley Miss James Lee Mrs. Helen Williams Mrs. Juliet Battle PAGEANT Mrs. Mildred T. James, Chairman Mrs. Kathleen Thomas, Co-Chairman Miss Clarine E. Christmas Harry James Mrs. Lillie Ballentine Mrs. Louise Shaw Mrs. Ella Burch Roy Ballentine Mrs. Fannie Taylor Richard Wimberley Reverend J. D. Bean PHOTOGRAPHY AND EXHIBIT Merriman C. Hill, Chairman Joseph Christmas, Co-Chairman A. A. Cooke Mrs. Pattie Higgs Mrs. Lovie Ellis PUBLICITY G. F. Newell, Chairman Miss Marjorie Williams Mrs. May Broadie EDITING Mrs. Ada M. Jarnagin, Chairman Dr. F. P. Payne, Co-Chairman Miss Maye E. Ligon Miss Madelyn Watson Miss Anne S. Hawkins PATRONS Dr. Ellen S. Alston, Chairman Reverend D. N. Howard, Co-Chairman Mrs. Ruth Davenport Mrs. Annie Hooker Mrs. Rebecca D. Goldston HOSPITALITY Dr. N. H. Harris, Chairman Mrs. Louise Nelson George Vinson Miss Blonnie Slade Mrs. Merca Yarbrough Lex Colson RECEPTION David Dolby, Chairman Miss Joyce Cooke, Co-Chairman Miss Dianne White Mrs. Wilhelmenia Williams Mrs. Ann D. Hurdle Frank J. Hinton James Speed Mrs. Lula E. Young Mrs. Minetta B. Eaton N. E. Leach Miss Margueritte Butcher BANQUET Jesse Branche, Chairman Dean C. L. Harrison Frank Watson Mrs. Lucy F. James Miss Ruth Pope Mrs. Cleo Parrish William W. Hurdle Mrs. Cornelia Hawkins Mrs. Mabel Young Mrs. Mazie White Miss Belva Lane Mrs. Janie Jeffers Mrs. Ada Mason Mrs. Catherine Robinson Miss Elizabeth Pugh Mrs. Ann Williams Mrs. Erlene Langston Our Sesquicentennial Celebration ;■ \ % . ,...,-T Left to right: Reverend C. W. Ward, Pastor; J Chairman ; Mrs. Nora Evans Lockhart, Chairman. CORE-COMMITTEE W. Yeargin, Historian; W. C. Davenport, Co- In Appreciation When one sits down to write any expression of a deep feeling, he has undertaken a tremendous task, and to be sure this instance is no exception for us. To have been elected to guide this great ship to a happy harbor was indeed an honor and a challenge. In spite of the interspersed trying moments a great amount of genuine pleasure and personal growth has been derived from the experience. Ties of loyalty, trust and Christ-like living in the church family have been re-enforced on the one hand, and new ties recognized on the oth- er. The large number of patrons of this celebration encompasses many people in many walks of life. Their expressions of faith will cause members of the First Baptist Church to re-assess their values and re- affirm their faith in the love of God and the brotherhood of man. The entire membership of the church, headed by the pastor, has worked tirelessly and prayerfully to bring this Sesquicentennial Celebra- tion to a successful conclusion. Under the watchful eye of the Almighty, may the contribution of the present generation to the progress of this great church carry far into the next, "One Hundred Fifty Years of Unbroken Service for God." With grateful hearts, Nora Evans Lockhart, Chairman W. C. Davenport, Co-Chairman UNIVERSITY OF N.C. AT CHAPEL HILL 00043581445 FOR USE ONLY IN THE NORTH CAROLINA COLLECTION